Jared Farley: A Football Life

Football is more than just a game to Panther senior Jared Farley, it's a lifestyle.

Jared's success at UNI is no surprise, as he follows in the footsteps of his brother and father, who also wore the Panther No. 46 at UNI. Jared's father, Mark, played linebacker at UNI from 1983-86, before taking over as the coach of the football program in 2001. Jared's brother, Jake, played in the same position on the field for UNI from 2012-14 and now volunteers his coaching expertise for the Panthers.

Jared has always dreamed of playing football at a high level, and with the help of his supportive family, he's done just that as his last season at UNI has grown into something very special.

Jared leads the Panther defense in 2017, racking up 112 tackles while also climbing up all-time ranks at UNI to compile 303 total tackles for his career. The Cedar Falls native has had a decorated senior season after earning Preseason All-MVFC First Team, STATS FCS Preseason All-America Second Team, William V. Campbell Semifinalist, Buck Buchanan Award Finalist, MVFC Co-Defensive Player of the Week honors (Sept. 10).

"Since I was born, I've been around football," Jared remembers. "Mom (Lori) was taking us to all of dad's games. Honestly, my brother and I have been on the sideline of a football field since we could walk."

While most kids in kindergarten would spend their free time watching cartoons, Jared was studying football constantly.

"If I wasn't playing football, I was watching it," says Jared. "Every day of my life has been based off of football."

For Jared, football is a year-round sport, and the senior isn't shy about expressing how much the game means to him.

"I've been training for football year-round, every year, since I was a kid," explains Farley. "It has been a huge part of my family – anywhere from playing football in the backyard growing up, to going to UNI games and being on sidelines."

Aside from his dad, Jared is surrounded by siblings on game days as well. Jared's brother, Jake, is around on most game days and lends a hand to the Panther coaching staff as well as Jared.

"Jake watches film with me, helps me chart plays and teaches me to become an overall better player," said Farley.

Adding to the Farley football roots is sister, Jamie, who recently took over as Director of Football Operations this past season.

"Jamie is really invested in the program and cares about team," says Jared. "She wants each player to be successful, which is really important."

With this being Jared's senior year, there are many great moments that have encompassed him throughout his career as a Panther. However, one particular moment sticks out among the rest.

"My best memory so far came from the Iowa State game last year," recalls Farley, who sealed the win for UNI with a key interception late in the game.

It was an emotional win for the Farley family, as it gave head coach Mark Farley his 130th career victory, surpassing Stan Sheriff and putting him atop the list of UNI's all-time winningest coach.

"Being able to set my dad up as the winningest coach meant a lot to me," says Jared. "Plus beating a Division-I team was pretty cool. We're hoping to make more memories during the playoffs. Right now, my goal is to finish up the regular season and make it best one yet."

Jared hopes his football playing days don't end in college, as the senior has set his sights for a shot at the NFL once he graduates.

"I want to play this game for as long as I can," Jared said. "I'll have a business degree that I can fall back on if I need to, but I've also looked at possibility to get into coaching."

No matter where Jared Farley's career takes him, one thing will never change; football will always be a driving force in his life on and off the field.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Jared Farley: A Football Life

Players Mentioned

Jared Farley

Upcoming Events

University of Northern Iowa Athletics